Pagophilus

Pagophilus is a genus of seals within the family Phocidae. The only living species in this genus is the harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus, also known as the Greenland seal or saddleback seal. This species is found in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Harp seals are medium-sized seals, with adults typically measuring between 1.7 to 2 meters in length and weighing from 140 to 190 kilograms. They are characterized by their silvery-gray coat, with a black face and a variable black harp-shaped marking on their back, which is more prominent in males.

These seals are highly migratory, undertaking long journeys between their breeding grounds and feeding areas. They are social animals, often gathering in large numbers, especially during the breeding and molting seasons. Their diet primarily consists of fish, such as capelin and polar cod, as well as crustaceans. Harp seals are an important species in the Arctic ecosystem and have historically been hunted for their blubber and pelts. Conservation efforts are in place to manage their populations, which are currently considered to be abundant. The genus name, Pagophilus, derives from the Greek words "pagos" meaning ice and "philos" meaning lover, referring to their association with sea ice.